Before the exam

Follow these and any other instructions you are given before your endoscopy. If you don’t, the test may need to be cancelled or done over. For this reason, read your instructions before the day of the exam.

For a colonoscopy, you may be told not to eat and to drink only clear liquids for 1 to 3 days before the exam. You may have other diet changes.

Take any laxatives that are prescribed for you. An enema may also be prescribed. Follow the instructions for these carefully.

Arrange for someone to drive you home after the exam if you will be sedated.

Tell your healthcare provider before the exam if you are taking any medicines, vitamins, supplements, illegal drugs, or have any medical problems.

Discuss possible alternatives to the procedure, and risks, with your healthcare provider.

The procedure

Colonoscopy can take 30 minutes or longer. Sigmoidoscopy often takes about 20 minutes. The length of the procedure depends a great deal on how clean your intestines are, the reason for the procedure, and what biopsies or treatments must be done.

You lie on the stretcher or bed on your left side.

For colonoscopy, you are given sedating (relaxing) medicine through an IV (intravenous). You can choose not to get any sedating medicines. Discuss this with your provider. Sigmoidoscopy usually doesn’t need sedation.

The endoscope is inserted into your rectum. You may feel pressure and cramping. If you feel pain, tell your healthcare provider. You may get more sedation, which includes pain medicine and an anti-anxiety medicine.

The endoscope carries images of your colon to a video screen. Prints of the images may be taken as a record of your exam.

Biopsies (tissue samples), polyp removal, or other treatments may be done.

When the procedure is done, you rest for a time. You may have some discomfort right after the procedure from trapped air. This can be relieved by changing position and passing the air. If you have been sedated, you must have an adult drive you home. Don't work, drive, or make big decisions for 24 hours after anesthesia.